What to Do Immediately After Tropical Storms Hit Your Area

Your first priority is safety. Before you re-enter your home, look for downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the house and call the utility company from a safe distance.

Watch for standing water inside, which may hide electrical hazards or sharp debris. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Do not enter a flooded crawl space or low-lying area until the water recedes and you know it is safe.

If you can do so safely, stop new water from coming in. Move furniture out of wet areas and place aluminum foil or plastic under furniture legs to prevent staining. Open windows and doors to let air circulate, but only if the humidity outside is lower than inside.

Use fans and a dehumidifier to help dry out rooms. A wet vacuum can remove standing water from floors. Drying may take longer if the storm left high humidity, so be patient and keep air moving.

• Use a wet vacuum for standing water
• Run fans and dehumidifiers continuously
• Remove wet rugs and carpets if possible
• Hang wet clothes and curtains outside
• Prop up wet furniture with blocks
• Do not use a regular vacuum on wet surfaces

For serious water damage, local water damage pros can help with extraction, drying, and mold prevention. They have equipment to remove water from walls and floors and to dry out the structure. Acting quickly reduces the chance of mold growth.

You can search for services like debris removal, water extraction, and structural drying. For a full assessment, a water damage inspection can identify hidden moisture. Keep contact information for a reliable restoration service in your phone for quick access.

• Water extraction to remove standing water
• Structural drying and dehumidification
• Moisture mapping to find hidden wet spots
• Yard and home debris removal
• Drywall and flooring repair after drying